What tips would you offer new writers?

I have to agree that you just have to let it flow. Just write and write and write, then worry about spelling, grammer, and fine tuning everything. You may turn out a bunch of crap, but there will be a gem in there somewhere.

i'll suggest you to check out writersbureau.com once where it guides the aspiring writers.its quite nice. if you are writing a story then have the plot in your mind and then break them into small frames which should look like a flow chart. here just jot down the points. this will help you remain organised throughout and will make your plot more interesting. don't forget to use creative phrases. if you are wrting a poem then you need to be very good with alliterations, two words starting with the same letter in same line and rhyming words. also read out the poem and see if it 'sounds' good. this is what i can suggest if you are a new writer. all the best.

Other than the obvious, do it (write), I would say that I find it helpful to belong to a writing group, be it online (www.Gather.com has some excellent writing groups) or in person. I think that it helps to have someone to share your writing adventures with, both for critiquing purposes and for moral support. There are a lot of would-be writers out there just like you.